Registration FAQ - Answers

How do I transfer my registration number?

To transfer a registration number form one vehicle to another you will need to complete form V317 that is available from a DVLA Local Office. This form will explain what you need to do before the number can be transferred. If you require further information, please contact your nearest DVLA Local Office.

How do I retain my registration number as I have not got another vehicle to transfer the number to?

To place a vehicle registration number on hold you will need to complete form V778/1 that is available from a DVLA Local Office. The form will explain what you need to do before the number can be retained. If you require further information please contact your nearest DVLA Local Office.

What is a 'Q' registration number?

These are a very useful consumer protection aid.

A ‘Q’ number is a clear indicator to a prospective purchaser that the age or identity of a vehicle is unknown. The vehicle may be rebuilt from parts, some or all of which may not be new. This also applies to vehicles imported without supporting evidence to identify the vehicles age.

Why do we need number plates and registration marks?

Registration marks are needed so that a vehicle can be easily identified. Number plates must be easy to read for many reasons but it is most important for the police. The police often rely on witnesses to remember the number plate if they are to solve a crime. This ranges from motoring offences to some very serious crimes where a vehicle has been involved. Solving these crimes can depend on someone remembering a registering mark or even part of it.

New Number Plate and Registration Mark Format

A consultation exercise in 1997 invited the public and interested organisations to give their views. The system that has been developed meets the needs of the vast majority of respondents in providing local memory tags and age identifiers. These will be easy to remember and require no significant changes in materials or overall number plate size.

Why did my region get the letter that has been assigned to it?

An extensive public consultation exercise took place in 1999 before the allocation of the local memory tags. They have been allocated so that, where possible, there is some regional significance. Where this is not possible a neutral letter has been allocated.

Why have you started the numbers from 51?

The age identifier changes twice a year, in March and September. To distinguish between these two six monthly changes they have been allocated different number sequences. The following table shows how this will be achieved:

Year

March

September

2001

-

51

2002

02

52

2003

03

53

The use of the figure 5 to precede the year, for September registrations, will maximise the registration mark combinations and offer a long-lasting system. The 5 will change to 6 in 2010 and to 7 in 2020 and so on until 2050 when the format may be reversed to extend the format another 50 years.

Will I be able to transfer a new style mark onto my old vehicle?

No, registration marks cannot be transferred onto any vehicle if it may appear to make the vehicle look younger. No vehicle first registered before 1 September 2001 will be able to have a new style mark.

I live in the Isle of Wight, will there still be a distinct mark for the Isle?

Yes. The letters 'HW' will be used for vehicles registered by Isle or Wight residents

I live in the Scilly Isles, will there still be a distinct mark for the Islands?

No, there is no longer be a unique mark for the Scilly Isles.

Is the system going to change in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as well?

No, the systems will continue as at present in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man may choose to adopt the system later and a series of marks has been reserved.

Why is it necessary to have a common font for all number plates?

Number plates must be easy to read - by people who may witness accidents or serious crime involving motor vehicles and by roadside cameras. The police rely on clear recall of registration numbers in order to trace vehicle keepers.

Why did the rule on fonts change?

An increasing number of motorists use number plates that are difficult to read. The introduction of cameras for enforcement purposes means that it is more important than ever for number plates to be legible. The new regulations will ensure that there is clarity of numbers and letters through the use of a standardised mandatory font. Click here for further information.

Will motorists have to change their existing number plates to the new font?

The vast majority of motorists will not be directly affected by the regulations. However those motorists who have number plates that are not substantially the same as the new mandatory font should change them for plates that comply with new regulations. Once the new font becomes compulsory existing number plates using any typeface that is not substantially the same as that specified in the regulations will be illegal. Click here for further information.

Are motorists with "cherished" registration marks be affected by the new mandatory font?

Providing their number plate(s) currently meets the legal requirements the new mandatory font will not affect them.

My vehicle was manufactured before 1 January 1973 but not registered until later. What type of number plate should I display?

It is for the courts to interpret the law but the current regulations do not provide for the display of the Euro-symbol. In most cases, the size and spacing of the characters would have to be reduced, and the plate would then be illegal.

Are there plans to make the Euro-plate compulsory?

No, it is optional. The provision is being introduced because the European Council issued a regulation in November 1998 requiring Member States to recognise the Euro-symbol on number plates in place of the traditional oval shaped national identifier sticker for travel within the European Union. It is for individual motorists to decide if they wish to use the new Euro-plate.

What is the effect of the Euro-plate on UK registered vehicles?

UK vehicles travelling in the European Union may still display the traditional oval "GB" sticker. Alternatively number plates incorporating the Euro-symbol may be used instead of the oval sticker. The oval national identifier sticker would still be required for vehicles on journeys outside the European Union.

Can other symbols (e.g. national flag, football team crest) be used on number plates?

The Government announced on 28 December 2001 the intention to permit the display of national flags and symbols on vehicle number plates. The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 are in the process of being amended and should be in place by the end of 2002. They will provide for the voluntary display of the Union flag, Scottish Saltire, Cross of St George and Red Dragon. Football team crests etc are not allowed.

Do I have to change my number plate if it is cracked or broken?

If the number plate is damaged in such a way that it makes the registration mark difficult to read it does need to be replaced.

If I need to replace one of my plates, do I need to change both?

No, you only need to replace the damaged number plate.

Are 3D characters allowed?

Yes, 3D characters are permitted providing they meet all the other requirements.

Is a honeycombed or other background pattern permitted?

No, overprinting including honeycomb or other background designs are not allowed.

Are stick-on number plates legal?

No, number plates must meet the British Standard requirements and we are not aware of any self-adhesive number plates that are able to meet these requirements.